A plan for a two-mile (3.2 km) streetcar
line connecting downtown Honolulu with the city’s waterfront has been proposed
by Dallas developer Kenneth Hughes, whose company, UC Urban, is planning to
build a large residential, hotel and commercial complex. The idea is still in a
very preliminary stage, but city transportation services director Cheryl Soon
said a streetcar line would compliment a 6.5-mi. (10.4 km) bus rapid transit
system scheduled for construction next year. Hughes said he would advance the
project if he can gain sufficient support within the next four months from civic
and political leaders and the general public. Meanwhile, Gov. Linda Lingle and
other elected officials continue to oppose the city’s BRT plan, favoring light
rail instead.
